Integrated circuit and memory data protection apparatus and methods thereof

Abstract

A memory data protection apparatus including a storage device, a cipher, and a validator is provided. The storage device is embedded in a chip electrically coupled to an external memory for storing an offset value, a signature and a key. The cipher electrically coupled to the storage device and the external memory to receive the key includes an encrypter and a decrypter. The encrypter is capable of executing an encryption to output an encrypted data and an encrypted certified data. The decrypter is capable of executing a decryption to output a decrypted data. The validator electrically coupled to the storage device receives the signature, the offset value and the certified data and determines an access limit of the external memory by validating the certified data with the signature and the offset value. The memory data protection apparatus accesses an original data in the external memory according to the access limit.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the priority benefit of Taiwan application serial no. 98103670, filed Feb. 5, 2009. The entirety of the above-mentioned patent application is hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part of specification.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention generally relates to a memory data protection apparatus and a method thereof. In particular, the present invention relates to a memory data protection apparatus for protecting data stored in an external memory and a method thereof.DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART[0003]In an embedded system, a central processor in a system-on-a-chip is configured to execute a program code stored in a built-in memory. To prevent the program code from being read or copied without permission, data embedded in the built-in memory can not be retrieved through any interface on the system-on-a-chip when it is locked. The only way to release the lock state is to clean the data in the bui...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The solution provides robust data protection by encrypting and decrypting data stored in external memories, ensuring only authorized access and preventing unauthorized tampering or copying, thus enhancing data confidentiality and integrity.

Problems solved by technology

However, with the improving function of the electric products day by day, the size of the executed program code required by the system-on-a-chip is larger and larger.

Accordingly, a designer's endeavor is in vain.

Accordingly, it becomes an important issue to provide a protection mechanism for effectively protecting the data stored in the external memory outside of the system-on-a-chip.

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